Pictured above are Kudzu bugs on a soybean plant at the agricultural research facility of the University of Georgia. Kudzu bugs migrated to the American southeast in 2009 and they are considered a major problem in crop production. They rob plants of nutrients and water with their piercing-sucking mouthparts; this causes significant yield loss. Kudzu bugs primarily feed on legumes such as kudzu or soybeans. According to the North Carolina State University Extension, these pests can cause up to 75% yield loss!!!
Georgia was a fun territory because of the diversity in crops. Most states I've been to are focused on corn, soybeans, rice and cotton. Georgia had pecan and peach trees, tobacco plants, vegetables such as cucumbers, squash, and onions, and fruit fields of cantelope. Everyone I met at different distributors was friendly and welcoming. I learn something new from every person I meet - one of the many reasons I love the South!
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